Lake Michigan’s impressive expanse is laid out before you when you catch the evening color show from the bluff-top park north of Northport. Or opt for a more intimate feel by heading down the narrow steps to the rock hound’s paradise-of-a-beach.

Stroll is how you explore Fishtown, a one-of-a-kind enclave of weathered, repurposed fishing shanties turned shops and galleries along Leland’s river. Stop to pick up penny candy or savor gourmet whitefish alongside the falls gushing over the dam. fishtownmi.org.

Wine here is about a taste of the terroir—and at any of the roughly 20 Leelanau County wineries within a short drive or bicycle trail ride from your Suttons Bay hub, you’ll also get some of America’s finest landscape views. Tasting rooms overlook that gorgeous Leelanau countryside and offer friendly service to tasters of all experience levels. lpwines.com.

M-22 drive

There’s no rushing a road trip on this scenic heritage route drive, which curves its way past orchards, watery overlooks and dunes (plus wineries, artful gallery towns and sunset beaches to explore). m22colortour.com.

Picnic at the beach in Suttons Bay

Your picnic dessert provisions are close by: fresh gelato within strolling distance of your picnic table at Suttons Bay’s Marina beach. Settle in by the playground or cross a tiny drawbridge to the quieter South Marina, where a natural area draws wild birds aplenty.

From the same people who produce Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine, this is a colorful, easy-to-use guide to Northern Michigan vacation ideas from Ludington to Traverse City, from Charlevoix to Mackinac Island and everything in between. It is filled with ideas, tips and hundreds of websites that connect you to fun, food, activities, lodging and recreation in every part of Northern Michigan.

More than 140, full color pages with stunning photography and travel stories